Turner Jennings

Vibration modes of the brain for selected natural frequencies

Any physical object has a set of natural frequencies of oscillation. If an outside vibration is applied at one of those frequencies, it can induce resonance in the object. The objective of my research is to indentify the resonant vibration frequencies and modes of the head, and how these frequencies vary from person to person. By identifying which excitation frequencies which may be harmful to the brain, we can then work towards better protection by selectively attenuating those frequencies.

Average simulated head/helmet contact force profile from 20 subject-specific finite element scalp models

A helmet that fits well will protect you better than one that doesn't. However, what exactly defines a "good-fitting" helmet remains opaque. My research in this area is focused on quantitatively describing how the fit of a standard sized helmet varies from person to person, and how those differences in fit will affect how well the helmet protects the head. A better description of this uncertainty will help in the development of more robust helmet sizing standards.

Granular materials are frequently used for energy absorption due to the large amount of energy they dissipate through interparticle friction. I am researching the high-strain-rate behavior of granular materials with the goal of developing lightweight methods of dissipating energy which can be incorporated into helmet systems. The objective of this research is to develop better protective materials for helmets which are capable of reducing the risk of traumatic brain injury.